How to Become a Phlebotomist in Tennessee

Phlebotomists are specially trained medical personnel, forming a very important part of the healthcare industry.

If you want to know how a person can become a phlebotomist in Tennessee, this article is for you!

Phlebotomist Employment and Job Duties in Tennessee

Technicians hired for this position use a variety of needles and methods to collect blood, either for testing or transfusions and not only.

You can see phlebotomists in the following settings:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Blood banks
• Laboratories
• Nursing homes
• Community health centers

The duties you’ll have to complete are not very different between these facilities.

Sometimes, you might have to work night or weekend shifts.

Depending on the number of employees in a facility, your shifts could be longer than what you might expect.

It’s usually expected of you to:

• Select the correct vials
• Place the correct labels on blood samples,
• Organize and send off samples
• Communicate with and comfort the patients
• Ensure the safety of the patients
• Ensure the cleanliness of the workplace

Requirements to Become a Phlebotomist in Tennessee

Phlebotomists are not required by the State of Tennessee to get certified.

However, it will be very difficult for someone without a certification in this state to find a medical center willing to hire them.

Besides a certification, you’ll also be asked for:

• A high school diploma or GED
• A clean criminal record
• Strong communication skills
• Good listening skills
• Being detail-oriented
• Ability to wok in a team
• A CPR certification

Of course, not all employers have the same requirements, and in some places the list could be longer.

You could be asked for additional certifications in the medical field.

Phlebotomist Training in Tennessee

To get certified, you have to attend an approved training program.

The accreditation must be from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

No program will last for less than:

• 42 hours in theory classes
• 120 hours in practice hours

The institutions offering this type of programs will also have enrolling criteria:

• At least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Recent immunizations
• Pass a background check
• Basic computer skills
• Strong English skills – reading, writing, speaking
• Having insurance
• Having a driver’s license

Again, these requirements could differ from institution to institution.

Have a look at the table below for a better idea of the Tennessee schools with a phlebotomy program.

Depending on the type of diploma you’ll earn, the programs will have a different length.

It’s possible to obtain an Associate’s of Science as well as phlebotomy certification.

Other certification in the medical field might also be provided, such as CPR.

For example, at the EduMed Partners, students will also earn the Bloodborne Pathogen Certificate as well as the CPR one.

It’s pretty safe to assume that the higher the tuition is, the higher the chances for the following to be included:

• The fees for the exam
• The uniform
• Lab tools
• Textbooks

For instance, most of these items are paid for separately at the Southwest Tennessee Community College.

Expect to study:

• Medical terms
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Safety procedures
• The 40 most common lab tests
• Pediatrics,
• Needle or syringe draws
• Butterfly needles

Completing an internship is mandatory for graduation and certification.

Phlebotomist Certification in Tennessee

Since a certification is not needed at the state-level in Tennessee, the nationally recognized one is the best to own.

The national certification in phlebotomy can be earned from the following agencies:

• American Society for Clinical Pathology
• American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians
• National Phlebotomy Association

Generally, individuals need to attend the training mentioned earlier and then they have to pass a 2-part test.

Rarely, candidates can skip the training program if they have enough on-the-job training and experience.

The most important aspect of the test is its practical part.

The other part is either written or oral, depending on the agency.

The agencies expect you to renew your license according to their regulations.

Attending some classes meant to continue your education is mandatory for the renewal of the credential.

Phlebotomist Salary Information in Tennessee

There are a few cities in Tennessee where the average salaries are higher than the state’s median for this occupation.

Annual Salary Range:* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary

* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Phlebotomists, OCC 31-9097, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Additional Information for Phlebotomists in Tennessee

The phlebotomy field is an entry-level one, and this makes many people transition towards other positions after some time.

EKG technicians and nurses are just 2 other medical personnel who need a certification in phlebotomy.

These 2 are other career paths you could consider since they relate to phlebotomy.

Phlebotomy Schools by City

• Chattanooga3 Schools
• Knoxville3 Schools
• Memphis3 Schools
• Nashville3 Schools

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